1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

This measure gives the Trump administration excessive discretion on spending decisions, shortchanging vital programs like health care and housing. Instead of simply capitulating, Democrats should have leveraged their position to negotiate meaningful funding directives and safeguards against exploitation of the budget process. Passing a blank check enables further dismantling of government operations and services. While avoiding a shutdown may have been prudent, there were likely better paths to force real compromise that protects priorities important to Americans. Vigorous oversight will now be needed to ensure funds go toward intended purposes rather than the administration's agenda of cutting the federal workforce and operations.